Coo in Son Bou: A Birdwatcher’s Guide By Brenda Jaaback At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Son Bou holidays are about more than just sun, sea and perfect surf. The area is also rich in flora and fauna, with many visitors flocking to the area to check-out the birdlife. Here are just a few of the species that you may encounter whilst on your Son Bou holidays.

The Egyptian Vulture

In the eastern part of Son Bou lie some rugged limestone cliffs, through which a small freshwater stream flows. This area is particularly popular with the Egyptian Vulture, an endangered species that is also known as the Scavenger Vulture, and recognisable by its white plumage and distinct diamond-shaped tail. Due to the bird’s habit of hanging around dirty carcasses, its plumage often appears to be brown in colour; however this is not the case. The bird can often be found nesting in the rugged cliffs and is best spotted during the summer months of July and August.

The Mediterranean Shag

One of the most popular species of bird that you will encounter on your Son Bou holidays is the Mediterranean Shag, a black-plumed bird that is best spotted off the rocks at Son Bou’s famous beach. Although this bird is shy at the same time it is a common sight whatever the season. However the growth in Mediterranean tourism, and the increase in the length of the tourism season, has seen the species decline during the past century. The Mediterranean shag nests primarily in the winter and lays its eggs from November through to March.

Blue Rock Thrushes

If you want to spot sea birds whilst on your Son Bou holidays then the rugged limestone cliffs, where Menorca’s largest hotel sticks out to sea, is the place to head to with your binoculars in hand. Migrant hirundines and swifts can often be found circling the thermals above this area, but the most common sight is the blue rock thrush. These small blue birds nest in the limestone cliffs and often lay a cluster of between three to five eggs a time. The blue rock thrush is the national bird of Malta, and has a clear melodious call that is similar to the call of the standard rock thrush.

Raven

One of the birds that you may have trouble spotting on a Son Bou holiday is the common raven. These large foreboding birds are in stark decline throughout Menorca and, as they are one of the few species that do not migrate, Menorcans are worried that they will disappear from the island altogether. It is believed that there are many factors that have resulted in the disappearance of Menorca’s raven population. These factors range from the decline of cows on the island to the increase in the island’s crow population.

Little Egret

Most of the egrets in Menorca can be found at La Albufera; however, Son Bou is the second best place on the island to spot one of these elusive seabirds. The little egret is the smallest species of heron and can be distinguished from the others through its all white plumage, however, it shouldn’t be confused with the snowy egret which is the modern equivalent of this old world species. On your Son Bou holidays you are most likely to spot little egrets in the marsh land located to the east of the main holiday resort. This marsh land consists of reed beds which are fronted by dunes and coastal scrub. As most tourists stay close to their hotels and the facilities of the main resort, this part of Son Bou is rarely disturbed and therefore is a haven for birdlife, particularly wading birds who make their homes in this area.

Whatever birdlife you manage to spot on your Son Bou holiday, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. So pack your binoculars and get spotting, as there are many more species left to discover on a holiday in Menorca.

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